A sign at Patong beach, Phuket, notifying visitors of temporary closure during the Covid-19 outbreak earlier this year. The US has lost $30 billion in tourism revenue, followed by Spain at $9.7 billion and France at $8.7 billion. TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the tourism plan for foreign arrivals should be finished by September and will be used in every province in the country, not only Phuket. Phuket hoteliers have lagged behind those in Bangkok and Hua Hin, with only 22.5% average occupancy from January to August. Government officials claim the system has proven successful in Bangkok.

Source: Bangkok Post September 14, 2020 02:15 UTC